Fluvastatin
Fluvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of good cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).
Introduction
Generic name: Fluvastatin
Brand names: Lescol, Lescol XL
Dosage forms: oral capsule (20 mg; 40 mg); oral tablet, extended release (80 mg)
Drug class: Statins
Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Uses
High cholesterol
Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Benefits
In High cholesterol
Fluvalip 40mg Tablet belongs to a group of medicines called statins. It works by reducing the amount of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and raising the amount of “good” cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. Lowering the amount of cholesterol reduces the chances of heart diseases and helps you remain healthier for longer.
Take it regularly and make appropriate lifestyle changes (such as eating healthy and staying active) to maximize the effectiveness of this medicine. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
In Prevention of heart attack and stroke
High levels of cholesterol can cause your blood vessels to narrow (atherosclerosis) and put you at risk of having a stroke or heart disease. Lowering the amount of this fat reduces the chances of this happening and helps you remain healthier for longer. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well.
Directions for use
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water, with or without food.
Take the regular tablet or capsule at the same time(s) each day.
You can take an extended-release tablet at any time of day.
Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.
Swallow the pill whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing the pill.
You will need frequent medical tests.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your cholesterol levels improve. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms.
Fluvastatin is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your doctor’s instructions very closely.
How it works?
Fluvalip 40mg Tablet is a lipid-lowering medication (statin). It works by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA-reductase) that is required in the body to make cholesterol. It thus lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, raising the level of “good” cholesterol (HDL).
Side effects
In rare cases, fluvastatin can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.
Also call your doctor at once if you have:
Muscle weakness in your hips, shoulders, neck, and back
Trouble lifting your arms, trouble climbing or standing
Signs of a kidney problem–little or no urinating painful or difficult urination swelling in your feet or ankles feeling tired or short of breath
Liver problems–upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects of fluvastatin may include:
Muscle pain
Headache
Stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion.
Warnings
You should not take fluvastatin if you have liver disease, or if you are breastfeeding a baby.
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with fluvastatin. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.